In which quarter house in Kinshasa?

Did you plan to visit Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo? Whether you are visiting or staying for a few days, here are the areas where you can stay in Kinshasa easily.

Kinshasa is the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). With its more than 13 million inhabitants (named the Kinois), it is the third largest agglomeration in Africa. It is located on the south bank of the Congo River and faces Brazzaville on the other side, which is the capital of the Republic of the Congo. The Democratic Republic of the Congo uses French as an official language. There are also four other national languages: lingala, tshiluba, kikongo and Swahili. If you pass through the capital and need to find where to sleep in Kinshasa, different neighborhoods can welcome you. Kinshasa is a cosmopolitan and dynamic city, renowned for its particularly festive atmosphere. It consists of 4 districts. They represent a total of 24 municipalities and over 300 neighbourhoods. Here are those in which you can find accommodation.

The heart of the city: the Gombe

La Gombe is in the city centre: its geographical location makes it an interesting area if you are looking to sleep in Kinshasa. This commune includes most expatriates. It also houses the presidential palace, ministries, the Central Bank and the business centre. Don't miss the mausoleum Laurent-Désiré Kabila in front of the National Palace. You can also discover the place of Independence (which the Congo obtained on 30 June 1960) and the Botanical Garden. Walk along the famous boulevard of June 30 that crosses the city. It was initially a railway line, which became the main road artery of the city.

La Gombe is also the most expensive neighborhood in the whole city: count around 200 euros per hotel night. By favoring accommodation by Airbnb, the night is between 100 and 200 euros. By staying at the Gombe, you can discover the heart of the city and the Congo River along the neighborhood.

Central station

If you want to stay close to the river, but your budget doesn't allow you to stay in Kinshasa in the Gombe district, move towards that of the Central Station. He is currently in full modernization. The station itself is worth a visit. The building built in 1940 is home to the first locomotive that made the Kinshasa — Matadi route in 1898. Just next to it, a memorial, the Rail Memorial, celebrates the memory of the men who have worked to set up this railway section. Indeed, it cost a large number of them life. The Sozacom building, symbol of Kinshasa, is easily recognizable. Finally, the Saint-Anne complex houses the church of Sainte-Anne, which was the first Catholic church built in Kinshasa in 1913.

You can find a hotel in this neighborhood for a hundred euros per night. By heading to Barumbu, the establishments are more rare. However, you can find some between 50 and 100 euros at night.

Socimat

This is the area southwest of the Gombe. The French Embassy is there. The place not to be missed: the Texaf Bilembo space. On a surface of nearly 1000 square meters, works of art of local artists are highlighted. In addition, the place is committed to local schools. Thus, they can bring their students to discover an exhibition on sustainable development. In addition, children and adolescents can participate in creative workshops (theater, board games, etc.). In addition to these elements, two screening rooms allow for cinema sessions. A space is dedicated to the craft shop and the bookshop.

It is also a very good location to discover the surrounding areas like Kintambo or Mont Ngaliema. The Art Symphony (Kintambo) is a gallery that honours local contemporary artists. Some famous people in the world of the arts have made their first steps. In addition, in the Presidential Park (Mont Ngaliema), you can cross the statue of Albert 1er. It was originally standing in front of the main station. Mobutu, in power at the time, had him removed from his base in 1971 and placed in this garden (private at the time).

Quietly, you can find in Socimat accommodation via Airbnb. Depending on the standing and the desired size, the night goes from 60€ to 13€.

Kasa Vubu

If you are looking to stay in Kinshasa, Kasa Vubu commune is known for its musical atmosphere, even if the reference area remains Matonge. In fact, Unesco has elected her “creative city” on music since 2015. Considered as the cradle of the Congolese rumba, his rich musical past earned him this distinction.

Other interest: The National Museum of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MNRDC) is located right next door. Inaugurated in November 2019, it was built with the assistance of the Republic of Korea. It offers its visitors traditional elements (objects, costumes, documentaries) and modern works of art. In addition, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo asked the Belgium the restitution of its cultural heritage.

In addition, you can admire the statue of President Kasa-Vubu, who held this position between 1960 and 1965. Difficult to pass by: the bronze statue is 2.45 metres high.

Finally, this area has the advantage of offering a slightly lower rate than the municipalities along the river. Indeed, you can count on a hundred euros at night.

Now you only have to choose where to sleep in Kinshasa to fully enjoy your stay. Good trip!